Working from home is the way forward in financial services.  But while we all love to save office costs, there are hidden costs that need to be addressed for multi RI firms. 

 I have identified FIVE cybersecurity risks if you work remotely.

 1.       Using unprotected computers

Unprotected devices. What does this mean? In the company, the computers can have greater protection, they are updated and there are people in charge of their maintenance.  On the other hand, the computer that we use at home to work may not have these measurements.

That could result in an attacker being able to exploit unpatched vulnerabilities, for example. They could install viruses more easily.

 2.       Public Wifi

Public Wifi.  We may work from home or maybe occasionally go to a library, coffee shop or any public Wi-Fi.  In all these cases there may be a higher risk compared to working from an office.

Wi-Fi networks can sometimes leak data and allow us to be spied on without our realizing it. It is essential to always use wireless networks that are protected and in case of using public Wi-Fi, use a VPN, which encrypts the connection and make everything we send go through a kind of tunnel.

 3.       Mix personal and work information

Another security risk in remote work is mixing personal and work data.

 Always separate the personal from the work. If you are going to use the same computer, you can always partition the hard drive and have everything related to work on one side and your personal life on the other.

 4.       Remote access software can be dangerous

The fact of working remotely may force us to use certain programs to be in contact with the company, including applications to remotely access a computer, programs to start video calls, etc. The problem is that we don't always use secure software and that can lead to hackers.

What should we do?  It is essential to use official applications and that they are updated.  Only in this way will we be able to avoid very varied cyberattacks that could put our network security at risk.

 5.       Higher risk of Phishing

Precisely the fact of working remotely can pose a greater risk of Phishing – it is easier to fall for a fake email from a boss or colleague if not physically close.

 It is essential to know how to analyze links and not fall into the trap, especially when we are managing information that may be sensitive.

alvaro.gonzalez@batsoft.co.uk